Chef Greg Baker of The Refinery will head a group of judges who will pick a “People's Choice Award.” All mac & cheese samples will be sold on behalf of the Friends of the Riverwalk, a local nonprofit that works to improve and enhance the Tampa Riverwalk.

The event and entertainment are free and open to the public.

Unlike the mayor's St. Patrick's Day festival, during which the Hillsborough River is dyed green, there will be no river of cheese. Maybe next year.